Also known as Common Birthwort · Dutchman's Pipe · European Birthwort
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Birthwort (Aristolochia clematitis) is a perennial herb with heart-shaped leaves and distinctive yellowish-green, pipe-shaped flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade, which may result in less vigorous flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings during the growing season. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained, moderately fertile
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures (18-24°C) during the growing season. Tolerates cooler temperatures in winter.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains aristolochic acid, which is toxic and carcinogenic. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter, providing just enough to prevent complete desiccation.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soil.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done after flowering to maintain shape and size.
Avoid heavy pruning as it may reduce flowering.
Propagate by division of established clumps in early spring. Seeds can be sown in autumn or after a period of cold stratification.
Cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood in summer, but germination and rooting can be slow.
Repot established plants every 2-3 years in spring, preferably before new growth begins. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering issues.
Ensure good drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Birthwort (Aristolochia clematitis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Piperales |
| Family | Aristolochiaceae |
| Genus | Aristolochia |
| Species | Aristolochia clematitis |
Similar in genus Aristolochia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
